THERE will be a variety of events on Monday (August 4) to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War.
► TWO CHURCHES in Lickey and Blackwell will be open on Monday (August 4) for residents to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the First World War.
Anyone wanting to take part in this poignant event can go along to the buildings between 2pm and 4pm and from 6pm to 7pm.
A spokesperson for the churches said: “This is an excellent opportunity to see the various memorials in the churches and members of the congregation will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the buildings and the activities which take place in them.
“There will also be some material available to help people with their own personal reflections.”
The day will conclude with a short service of commemoration at Holy Trinity in Lickey at 7.30pm.
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► HOMES, businesses and council buildings across Bromsgrove, Rubery and Droitwich will be in the dark from 10pm to 11pm on Monday (August 4) as part of a nationwide event to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War.
Residents and organisations are also being urged to take part in the ‘Lights Out’ event which will see people turn off all their lights, leaving a single one on or a candle for that hour.
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► AT RUBERY Royal British Legion, New Road, the lights of the bar will be switched off and replaced with candles and there will also be a candle lit in the memorial garden which will host a special event.
Everyone is welcome to a poignant poetry reading by Giovanni Esposito, aka ‘Spoz’.
They are also then welcome to the club afterwards.
Visit www.ruberyroyalbritishlegion.com for more information.
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► ALL EXTERNAL and internal lights at Bromsgrove Council House, Burcot Lane, and County Hall in Worcester, will be turned off as part of the 14-18 NOW, which has been led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Bromsgrove MP and Culture Secretary Sajid Javid this week made the official announcement relating to the high profile events taking place nationwide.
He said: “A hundred years on, the sheer scale and sacrifice of the First World War demand remembrance.
“Breaking with tradition, we are marking the start as well as the end of the conflict so that the anniversaries of the war will improve our understanding of its causes, conduct and consequences.”
Coun Mike Webb, responsible for leisure and cultural services on Bromsgrove District Council, said: “The Lights Out event is expected to be one of the biggest participatory events ever seen in the UK.
“It provides the opportunity for reflection and consideration of a poignant time in our history, so I would encourage everyone to get involved.”
Jenny Davis, arts development officer at Wychavon District Council, said she hoped residents and businesses would get involved in the national project which it is hoped will unite the nation in a reflective hour.”
► Visit www.1418now.org.uk/whats-on/lights-out for more.
